Question 1

What is a greenway?

Accepted Answer

A greenway is a linear system of public spaces that connects our communities, both on land and as water trails. It also promotes outdoor recreation and adventure, economic development and business support, environmental restoration, and celebrating local history and culture.

Question 2

What are the benefits of urban greenways?

Accepted Answer

Especially within urban environments, greenways are connectors across communities, promote non-motorized commuting, and provide natural space corridors with safe river access points, public gathering spaces, recreation opportunities, environmental education engagement, neighborhood connections, improve public health, and more!

Question 3

What is a "backbone" trail?

Accepted Answer

We refer to the backbone as the primary route of the Grand River Greenway – following the course of the Grand River from Lowell to Grand Haven – which provides a “spine” for which other local trail systems can connect into. Completing the primary backbone connections of the Greenway is the main objectives of partners in the next several years.

Question 4

What kind of land trails are apart of the Grand River Greenway?

Accepted Answer

The trails that make up the backbone connection of the Greenway are paved, multi-use, nonmotorized trails ranging from 10-14’ wide and made of asphalt or concrete in order to accommodate a wide range of uses and accessibility needs. That being said, the Greenway will connect to several natural surface trails in riverfront parks (such as Johnson Park, under construction now!)

Question 5

What is a water trail?

Accepted Answer

A water trail is essentially the river — similar to a land-based trail, the term refers to a route on a river or lake that is recreationally active and stewarded.

You may hear the Grand River Greenway described as having a "wet" and "dry" side, "in-channel work" or as a complemented by a "blueway" — that's the water trail!

Question 6

Is [insert project here] part of the Greenway?

Accepted Answer

If it’s a public project on/near the Grand River, then yes! The Greenway is an evolving network of parks and trails along the river corridor and will continue to grow as partnerships deepen and more is known about individual projects/segments. What’s in/out does not matter as much as the fact that partners are working together to put connection in place.

Grand River Network

Fostering the partnerships that create a vibrant, active and connected Grand River for All.

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